United Way donation from Emporia State employees largest in university’s history

December 8, 2012

When more than $40,000 in donations and pledges was delivered to the United Way of the Flint Hills this week, it was the most raised by Emporia State University, according to Marilyn Buchele, campus coordinator for the on-campus fund drive.

“Our entire campus knows how important the work of United Way and its partners is,” said Buchele. “We have a great group of nearly 40 team captains across campus who work diligently to share information and solicit pledges.”

Buchele’s final calculations at the end of Tuesday totaled $41,348.19. Of that, $6,065 was donated by retired faculty and staff.

“George Walters, retired faculty from our School of Business, is the driving force behind the money raised from retired faculty and staff,” said Buchele.

Campus fundraisers contributed to the total. The Office of Residential Life, for example, offered staff the chance to wear denim to work in return for a $5 donation. In a campus-wide Pie in the Face competition, faculty, staff and student were encouraged to use cash and coins to vote for the person they would like to receive a pie in the face.

Wade Redeker, director of Residential Life, won the voting among faculty and staff candidates. Three students — Tianna Todd, Nicole Lacey and Victoria Harmon, all from the Center for Student Involvement — tied in their voting category. The pies were thrown Thursday afternoon in front of the Memorial Union Bookstore.

“The United Way campaign theme is ‘Stronger Together,’” said Dr. Michael D. Shonrock, Emporia State president. “Emporia State is proud to work with United Way to help make the Emporia community stronger.”

Emporia State University is a dynamic and progressive student-centered learning community that fosters student success through engagement in academic excellence, community and global involvement, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.